Honey, the kids shrunk the car!

Could school children be responsible for leading the next wave of automotive innovation?  The Australian International Model Solar Challenge (AIMSC) poses just this question, encouraging the next generation of engineers to think about how renewable energy sources can have more widespread use in our lives.

Sponsored by the Monash University Faculty of Engineering, the Challenge requires teams of school students to design, construct and then race a small solar power vehicle.  Months of hard work were finally put to the test at the State Finals held at Science Works on October 17-18.  As Paul Wellington, semi-retired Mechanical Engineering Lecturer and Victorian Model Solar Vehicle Challenge Chair explains, “it is a great way to introduce students to basic engineering principles as well as encouraging them to think about sustainability.”

The program has come a long way since its creation back in 1990 and now involves over fifty schools and upwards of 200 teams.  Students may enter one of five competitions: the junior or senior boat competitions, a ‘kit car’ race, the main model car race and the newly introduced Mars Rover obstacle course event.  Team must meet a strict set of guidelines in each event including vehicle size and solar panel type, power and size.

All vehicles are scrutineered and students are quizzed about their knowledge of basic engineering fundamentals including electronics, friction, power and aerodynamics.  As glowing students from Craigieburn Secondary College excitedly explained, shortly after their win in the Kit Car Competition, “it has been a real challenge but so much fun!  We have had to learn a lot about science and technology - like how to solder, greenhouse gases, electricity and design.” 

Just as enthusiastic, were students from Syndal South Primary School who, even though competing against High School students, won the main model car competition.  “We have been working on this for about 5 months, I can’t believe we won!” they exclaimed.  They too had to learn a great deal about manufacture and design, as well as testing, aerodynamics and the importance of weight minimisation.  Both teams will progress to the national finals to be held on November 28 and 29. 

Importantly, the key messages of the competition are being well received by the participants.  As one student reported, “yes, this has definitely inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.  It has been great to learn about technology that could one day help save the planet.” 

Small car, big impact.